Planning

I've been reflecting on my job search process and how repetitive it can be. If I could automate one part of it, I would definitely choose to automate the tailoring of my resume for each job description. It feels like such a tedious task to constantly adjust my resume to fit different roles. I also find myself filling out the same information across various job portals, which is incredibly frustrating. Another area I would love to automate is tracking my applications. Keeping tabs on where I've applied, what stage I'm at, and when to follow up is overwhelming. It would be great to have a system that reminds me when I need to reach out again. I also think generating personalized cold emails from a job link would save me a lot of time. Writing slightly different versions of the same email can be exhausting. Overall, the job search feels like a gladiator battle between rejection bots and my efforts to stand out. If I could just automate the interview process too, that would be a dream! I really just want a bot to handle the social interaction part while I focus on getting my resume in front of the right people.

I recently started a job as a Robot Operator at a vendor company, which I'll call 'Biscuit', servicing a major company in the MANGOS/FAANG industry, which I'll refer to as 'Cupcake'. I'm currently working part-time and earning $30/hr, but I feel like I'm underemployed considering I graduated with a degree in Information Technology just last December. While I'm grateful to have a job, I can't shake the feeling of being stuck. My role here is not aligned with my education, and I find it disheartening to be in the same position as coworkers who don't have degrees or are much younger than me. I get along well with everyone and appreciate the workplace culture, but I can't help but feel lost about my career direction. I've tailored my resume towards IT, but I worry that potential employers only see me as a machine operator, which is not what I worked hard for in college. I know I should be thankful for the opportunity, especially in 2026, but I feel like I'm not utilizing my skills and education to their fullest potential. I'm at a crossroads and unsure of what steps to take next.

I was recently let go from my position at Walmart. It came as a shock to me, as I believed I was performing well in my role. I’m still trying to understand the reasons behind the decision, and I’m considering reaching out to my former manager for feedback. I’ve started updating my resume and looking for new job opportunities, but it’s a bit overwhelming right now. I would appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation and what steps I should take next.

I've been navigating the unemployment claims process in Michigan since June, and it has been a real struggle. Initially, I was denied during the first round and had to appeal, which made everything feel painfully slow. Not knowing if my appeal would lead to a favorable outcome was really stressful. Earlier in this process, I decided to reach out to my state representative for help, and it actually made a difference. After I called, I found out I was denied, but I called my rep again today to see if they could expedite my appeal. I left a voicemail, and to my surprise, I got a callback within an hour. They assured me they would send a message to the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) about my case. Shortly after that call, I received a call from UIA. I explained my situation and emphasized that I needed someone to take a closer look at my case. During that conversation, the representative mentioned that I could upload more evidence if I wanted to. I hung up and went to the website to add my evidence, and to my astonishment, I saw that my claim had been reviewed and approved. I wanted to share this experience because I initially thought calling my state rep wouldn't make much of a difference—it felt like one of those generic suggestions that wouldn't lead anywhere. But it worked for me, not once but twice. If you're feeling stuck with your claim, don't hesitate to reach out to your representative. They may not directly influence the outcome, but they can help move the process along.

I’m 31 years old and struggling to find a job after a significant work gap. I spent four years trying to earn a Chemistry degree at a top school but ultimately dropped out because I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. After that, I went back to school in Fall 2021 and graduated with a 3.9 GPA in Computer Science from a state university. I initially aimed to become a Software Engineer, but with the rise of AI, that path feels less viable. I’ve been applying for entry-level IT positions for about six months, sending out around 300 applications. I only received one response, which ended in a rejection after four interviews for a Tech Support role. Recently, I started applying for basic jobs at places like Chipotle and McDonald's, hoping that some experience there might help me get into tech later. However, those interviews have also led to rejections. I’m considering a cheap grad school program for an MS in CS, like Georgia Tech’s OMSCS, mainly to keep myself occupied since I feel lost right now. I’m looking for any advice on how to pivot or improve my situation without starting completely over. I have a degenerative joint disease, so military options are off the table. If anyone has suggestions or insights, I’d really appreciate it.

I'm currently several months into my job search for a new HR role, and I've found that the waiting can be more challenging than the actual applications. I've had a few interviews that seemed promising, but then they just went quiet, which is frustrating. Thankfully, I'm working part-time to stay financially afloat, but it's tough not to internalize every rejection or week of silence as a sign that I'm doing something wrong. I've been seeking advice on how to cope with the prolonged search, especially from those who have faced similar situations. One thing I've learned is to keep my focus on the next opportunity rather than dwelling on the past rejections. It helps to remember that the job market is tough right now, and it's not a reflection of my worth. I'm trying to stay positive and keep moving forward.

I have a final stage interview coming up in a couple of days for a position I'm really excited about. Today, I sent my corrected resume to the team lead, as I realized there were some errors in the previous version. I'm feeling a bit anxious about whether this was the right move or if it might have messed things up for me. I'm hoping for some feedback on how this might affect my chances.

I recently applied for two contract roles through the same staffing agency for the same client, but they are in different locations. The first role pays more, between $30.43-$35.13/hr, and is only about 12 miles away from me, which is a 20-minute commute. The second role pays less, between $24.62-$31.27/hr, and is about 14.5 miles away, taking around 30 minutes to get there. I received a phone call about the lower-paying job on August 10th, and my resume was submitted to the client on August 11th. I was shortlisted on August 14th and have a Teams interview scheduled for August 21st. The same recruiter is handling both positions, and she mentioned that my resume for the higher-paying role is about 85-90% aligned with what the client is looking for. We worked together to update my resume to improve it to over 90% fit. She submitted both resumes at the maximum rate offered for each position. The second job was submitted on August 18th, so I'm still waiting for updates on that one. I also had a conversation with my recruiter's boss about my experience and expressed my comfort level with either job, especially since the higher-paying one is appealing. I let them know I could start within a week of receiving an offer. Now, I'm contemplating my next steps. After the interview for the first job, I'm considering whether I should ask for updates on the second role or wait for them to reach out. If I receive an offer for the first job, I'm debating whether to (a) turn it down and wait for the second job (which feels risky), (b) accept the first job and decline the second if offered, or (c) accept the first job and then switch to the second if it comes through. For context, there are 2-3 open positions for the first job, and I was the sixth person to submit my resume. For the second job, I was the first to respond and get submitted. Both roles are 12-month contracts. I have interviewed with BMS twice for different roles at the farther location with another staffing agency, but unfortunately, I didn't get either job.

I have been in a challenging situation for over a year now since I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my previous job. It was a tough experience, and I have been working hard to improve my skills and demonstrate my value. Despite my efforts, I still feel the impact of that PIP on my job search and overall confidence. I'm actively looking for new opportunities and hoping to find a role where I can thrive and contribute positively.

I recently faced a frustrating situation with my unemployment insurance claim in California. My brother and I were laid off from a staffing agency when the job site ran out of product, and we have proof of a clean layoff through text messages from our coordinator. After the layoff, we struggled to pay rent at our old multi-unit rental, so we moved into a family member's house on the 6th of the month without a formal lease agreement. We updated our addresses across various accounts, including our bank and EDD profiles, around the 10th to 12th. However, on the 14th, we received an email demanding Address Verification by the 22nd. This was concerning because our bank statements still showed our old address since they hadn't closed yet. To resolve this, we went to a bank branch on the 18th and obtained official Account Balance Summaries with our current address. We uploaded these documents immediately. But then, just this morning on the 19th, three days before the deadline, our entire claim history was marked as **"Disqualification."** The portal indicated that a notice would be sent via mail. I'm unsure if it's common for the automated system to apply a blanket disqualification just days before the deadline, especially since both my brother and I changed our addresses on the same day. A phone representative told us we need a physical DMV ID card, but we already have the bank summaries and other verification documents. Now, we're waiting for the paper notice to appeal this decision, and I'm hoping to find out if anyone else has experienced something similar or has advice on how to navigate this situation.

I graduated from community college in May 2026 with an associate's degree in animation, but after some significant life changes, I find myself feeling lost about my career path. Today, I started back at community college, this time majoring in social work. I believe it would be fulfilling to help others, but I still have a strong passion for art and storytelling, and I’m unsure if I can successfully integrate that into my career. I've been applying for several minimum wage jobs but have faced a lot of ghosting and rejections, including a recent rejection from Starbucks. At 21 years old, I've only had one job, which I still hold, but the pay is not great, and I only get decent hours in the summer. I'm at a crossroads: should I pursue another degree for a more stable job to save money and potentially return to my art later, or should I focus on my art career now? I live with my dad, who supports me in many ways, and while I'm grateful, I feel like time is slipping away. I really don’t know what to do next.

Today, I officially accepted a new job and will be starting tomorrow. I currently work in the back of house (BOH) at a well-known wing restaurant franchise, but I’ve reached my breaking point with the job. When I first started, I enjoyed it, but over time, the issues piled up, especially with scheduling. There have been weeks where I was only scheduled for two shifts, and even then, I was sent home early without notice. On one occasion, I was left to work alone on the grill without proper training, which was incredibly stressful. The management has been inconsistent with scheduling changes, often leaving me to cover shifts without proper training or support. Just last week, we had a chaotic shift where management brought someone from the front of house (FOH) to help in the kitchen, despite them having no experience. It was a disaster, and I ended up getting yelled at for not being able to keep up with the orders. Today, I was supposed to attend a performance meeting, but I got a call from the new job I applied for, asking me to come in to fill out paperwork and start tomorrow. I decided to call out of my current job and go for the new opportunity instead. Now, I’m contemplating what to do about my current job. Part of me wants to just stop showing up, knowing I’d be fired for job abandonment. But I also think I should formally resign. I’m just so exhausted from the lack of communication and support at my current workplace. I really don’t want to go back there, and I’m excited about the new position.

I'm currently on the job hunt and looking for remote opportunities. I have experience in sales and marketing, and I'm eager to connect with anyone who might be hiring or know of any openings. If you have leads or advice, I would greatly appreciate it!

I am currently seeking any job opportunities in Mysore and I am open to various roles. I have completed my SSLC and I am looking for positions that also provide food and accommodation. If anyone has leads or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate your help.

I have a job interview lined up for Tuesday at Skyline Chili, which is exciting but also stressful. On the same day, I have a Social Security appointment to get a new card since I need it for the job. My sister, father, and I agreed to go to the SS appointment first, but now I'm being told that I need my SS card to even get the job. The problem is, my card is with my mother, and she won't give it to me. So, I have to go through the process of getting a new one. It looks like Tuesday is going to be quite the challenge!

I’m 27 years old, male, currently based in Kenya, and I hold a bachelor's degree in environmental studies. Ever since I graduated, I’ve been on the hunt for a job in my field, but unfortunately, I haven’t had any luck. After countless applications and no responses, I decided to try something different and worked in webcam modeling for a while. While it paid the bills, it took a toll on my mental health, so I eventually quit. With my savings, I opened a wines and spirits shop, which initially did quite well. I felt like I was finally making progress, but then the local authorities started imposing hefty fees that I couldn’t keep up with, leading me to close the shop. Since then, I’ve been applying for jobs, even looking outside of Kenya, primarily in conservation and environmental roles. It’s been a whole year of applying, yet I still haven’t received a single reply or interview. I’m feeling utterly exhausted—so much so that I’ve contemplated giving up on the idea of leaving the country altogether. I believe I have strong skills in communication, community advocacy, and social media management. I’ve grown up online, so I’m adept at navigating various platforms. I’m also flexible and willing to learn new things beyond just environmental work.

I’m a 36-year-old woman currently unemployed and feeling completely overwhelmed. I have a master’s degree from abroad, but it seems to hold no value in the 2026 job market here in the USA. I’ve been stuck in this cycle of anxiety and depression, feeling like I can’t return to my previous job either. The job postings I see on LinkedIn are daunting, and the constant news about the economy is paralyzing me. I feel scared and lost, unsure of how to break free from this doom loop. I’m seeking advice on how to regain my confidence and take actionable steps toward finding a job again. Any tips would be appreciated!

I recently made it to the onsite interview stage for an "Executive Business Partner to the CEO" position at a startup, and I'm feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. The interview will be with the HR director, who was incredibly supportive during the initial stages, and the CEO, a young woman around my age, who seems a bit harder to read. The role sounds like it could be a fancy title for an Executive Assistant, but the compensation of $180K is quite appealing, especially as a recent MBA grad. I genuinely believe in the company's technology and see this as a great opportunity to potentially build equity. However, I’m nervous about the upcoming onsite interview on Monday. The past year has been tough for my confidence, and I worry about coming off as boring or awkward. I want to show confidence without being overbearing, and I’m unsure how to read the CEO's dynamic or engage in meaningful conversation outside of the formal interview. I’m also trying to figure out if this job is the right fit for me. I don’t have much mentorship since I’m a first-gen student, so I would really appreciate any advice on what to focus on during the onsite, how to stand out positively, and what common mistakes to avoid.

I recently graduated with my bachelor's degree and now I have a big decision to make in just three days. I'm weighing two very different options for my future. Option A is a $100k teaching job in a low cost of living city. The pay is great, especially since I could save around $45k to $50k a year after expenses. Plus, I get paid summers and breaks off, which is a nice bonus. However, the job isn't in my core field of interest, which is STEM, and I'm not particularly excited about the location. Still, I see it as a solid financial head start, especially in what seems to be a tough entry-level job market. I also have aspirations to teach abroad or become a professor, so this experience could be beneficial. On the other hand, Option B is a full scholarship for a master's program abroad in East Asia. It's a three-year program with no tuition fees, living stipends of about $1,000 a month, and covered flights. The experience would be incredible, allowing for language immersion and cultural exposure, plus I'd graduate debt-free. However, I'd be giving up that guaranteed $100k salary and would be living on a basic stipend. After the program, there's a risk I might end up with a low-paying job, as the degree isn't particularly reputable in the U.S. I'm scheduled to fly out for the scholarship next week, but leaving that $100k offer feels like a huge gamble, especially given the current job market. I know I could invest the money I save from the teaching job, but there's always the chance I might not go back to school later or that the degree won't lead to a good job. It's a tough choice!

I was terminated with immediate effect from my job, and honestly, I've never felt so thrilled! I started this position about four months ago after being unemployed for eight months, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity at the time. From day one, I was praised by everyone—from the director to my colleagues. I worked hard, took on overtime, and received some of the highest evaluations my supervisor had ever given. However, it wasn't my ideal role, so I continued to look for something better. Three months in, I found a new job that paid twice as much, had a Monday to Friday schedule, and didn't require weekend shifts like my first job did. I initially planned to give my two weeks' notice, but my supervisor begged me to stay. Despite the conflict in schedules, I ended up juggling both jobs. However, my performance at the first job started to decline as I split my energy between the two. Eventually, I asked to leave early one day, which did not sit well with my supervisors, and they decided to terminate me. In a way, the termination was a relief because I had been planning to call out the next day anyway. I understand that no one wants to get fired, and I don't think employers enjoy it either. The biggest lesson I learned from this experience is to always be true to yourself and prioritize your own needs. If a company can let you go in an instant, it's crucial to have a backup plan. Cheers!